Intensity-Sensing Hardware Buttons for Compact User Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user interfaces that integrate hardware buttons in electronic devices are often cumbersome, inefficient, and complex, leading to increased device size, weight, and cost, as well as cognitive burden and energy waste, particularly in battery-operated devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing methods that detect and differentiate between various input intensities and movements of hardware buttons to perform distinct operations, reducing the need for frequent switching between hardware and software controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If numerous hardware buttons are integrated into the device, then more control functions are available, but the device size, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling a single hardware button to perform multiple different operations based on varying input characteristics. The button can detect different press intensities (light vs. hard presses), different durations (short vs. long presses), and different patterns (single press vs. multiple presses) to trigger different functions, thereby providing diverse control capabilities without adding multiple physical buttons to the device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If numerous hardware buttons are integrated into the device, then more control functions are available, but the device size, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling a single hardware button to perform multiple different operations based on varying input characteristics. The button can detect different press intensities (light vs. hard presses), different durations (short vs. long presses), and different patterns (single press vs. multiple presses) to trigger different functions, thereby providing diverse control capabilities without adding multiple physical buttons to the device.
3Length of stationary object
If displayed software controls are used instead of hardware buttons, then device size is reduced, but user interface complexity and error potential increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges hardware buttons with software controls to create a hybrid user interface system. The hardware button provides tactile feedback and reliable input detection, while the software component processes different input patterns (intensity, duration, sequence) to trigger appropriate functions. This combination leverages the advantages of both approaches: the simplicity and reliability of hardware input with the flexibility of software processing, thereby reducing overall interface complexity compared to using solely software-based controls.
4Adaptability or versatility
If frequent switching between software controls and hardware buttons is required, then more functions are accessible, but user cognitive burden and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling a single hardware button to perform multiple different operations based on varying input characteristics. The button can detect different press intensities (light vs. hard presses), different durations (short vs. long presses), and different patterns (single press vs. multiple presses) to trigger different functions, thereby providing diverse control capabilities without adding multiple physical buttons to the device.
5Adaptability or versatility
If frequent switching between software controls and hardware buttons is required, then more functions are accessible, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling a single hardware button to perform multiple different operations based on varying input characteristics. The button can detect different press intensities (light vs. hard presses), different durations (short vs. long presses), and different patterns (single press vs. multiple presses) to trigger different functions, thereby providing diverse control capabilities without adding multiple physical buttons to the device.
Data Source
AI summary
User interfaces integrating variable hardware inputs are described, including user interfaces that perform different operations in response to presses of different intensities with and without movement, user interfaces that perform different media capture operations based on presses of different lengths with and without movement, user interfaces with controls that can be customized by swiping near a hardware control, user interfaces for media playback with dynamic speed adjustments, and user interfaces that perform adjustments before and after contact with a hardware control ends.